Could Getting an ESA for Test Anxiety Affect Future Dental Licensing

[OhGreatOne]

Hi everyone,

I'm a student aspiring to become a dentist, and I've been considering getting an emotional support animal (ESA) to help manage my test anxiety. While I don’t have a formal diagnosis, I often experience symptoms like nausea, vomiting, trembling, and dizziness on the day of big exams. I’ve noticed that being around my family's pets helps alleviate these symptoms.

I’m curious if anyone has experience or knowledge about whether having an ESA could impact my future dental licensing. Specifically, would getting a letter for an ESA—whether through a mental health professional or an online service—potentially raise concerns during the state licensure process? I'm a bit worried about how accommodations or mental health disclosures might be viewed by licensing boards.

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

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[Mr.Smile12]

Ask. You may need to formally request as a testing accommodation, which may mean you might not be able to bring your ESA to your exam. But who knows. If you don't have a history of needing an ESA during your training as an accommodation, your request will likely not be granted.

As an employee, you need to clear your ESA with the dentist or owner of the practice. There are some safeguards that need to be in place for the PATIENTS.

In addition, you need to accommodate the possibility of patients bringing their ESAs.

Emotional Support Animals: Rules to Bringing One to the Dental Office

Author’s Note: A few months ago, Today’s RDH featured Max, an “office dog” who hangs out at a Nebraska dental office with his owner, Dr. Kathy DeFord.

www.todaysrdh.com

https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(19)30509-4/fulltext

When Should I Allow Patients to Bring Dogs into My Office? – Michigan Dental Association

www.michigandental.org

 

[deleted923283]

Are you talking about bringing a dog with you to exams? If so, you need therapy or a career change.

You will have hundreds of big exams through dental school. What if they don’t allow it? What about lab practicals with sharp instruments and open flames? You will have board exams. What if they don’t allow it? You will be a frequent flyer at Prometric. They definitely will not allow it. And most patients DO NOT want a dog near them at the dentist.

Or is the pet just for home?

Yes, you will have to disclose mental health stuff on your forms. A history of severe anxiety likely would not affect your board application, but would affect your disability insurance.